It's not always easy to find cultural authenticity here in the Valley, but it's hard to find anything but at Matsuri: A Festival of Japan. Matsuri, which simply means festival in Japanese, celebrated its 25th anniversary this year. The entertainment lineup is always spectacular, with three stages of ongoing performances.

Music is represented in performances using traditional Japanese instruments and the popular taiko drumming demonstration. Sports are displayed in the form of kendo, or Japanese fencing, and Shotokan karate. Then there is Shinkendo, or katana drawing and cutting; nihon buyo, a classical dance; and the well-known art of karaoke, Japanese folk singing. Guests can watch experts make handmade udon noodles, and try traditional foods from sushi to soba noodles to mochi.